preparing to submit the fafsa

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by students applying for state, federal, and institutional financial aid. Even if you don't think you'll qualify for need-based financial aid, you should still complete the FAFSA to be eligible for student loans. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov after October 1st of the year prior to your college start date. Here are the steps you should take when preparing to submit the FAFSA.

Find out the FAFSA priority deadline for your college(s). Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is crucial for you to submit your FAFSA in a timely manner. Although priority deadlines do not affect a student's eligibility for federal student loans, if you don't file early, you may miss out on possible aid opportunities such as money awarded directly from the institution.

Create an FSA ID. If you file the FAFSA online, both you and one of your parents (if you are required to submit parental information) will need to create an FSA ID. On May 10, 2015, the U.S. Department of Education replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN with the FSA ID in order to increase security for users. If you haven't logged into a Federal Student Aid site (such as fafsa.gov) since this date, you will need to create an FSA ID before you can log in going forward. The FSA ID is required to sign the online FAFSA application. You can also use your FSA ID to:

Register with Selective Service. If you are male and at least 18 years old, you must register with Selective Service before you can submit the FAFSA.

Find your school codes. You will need school codes so your FAFSA information can be sent to the schools to which you want to apply. Schools use your FAFSA info to create your financial aid package. Click here to find school codes.

Complete FAFSA on the Web Worksheet. If you are filing the FAFSA online, be sure to complete the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet so you can organize your information. This worksheet allows you to read and complete the questions before entering your information online. The questions are listed in the same order as they appear on the website.

Attend a financial aid workshop. Be sure to attend a financial aid workshop at your school or in your community to learn more about filling out the FAFSA. Financial aid professionals will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the application.

Gather required forms. You will need the following information when you fill out the FAFSA:

Student's driver's license and Social Security card

Income tax returns from the prior-prior year

W-2 forms and other records of money earned

Current bank statements

Records and documentation of other untaxed income received such as welfare benefits, Social Security income, veteran's benefits, AFDC, or military or clergy allowances

Records of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments

Current mortgage information

Business or farm records (if applicable)

Know your history. If you filed a FAFSA last year, you can use your FSA ID to complete the online Renewal FAFSA. Since many elements of the FAFSA do not change (i.e. your name and date of birth), the online Renewal FAFSA will ask you to confirm last year's info and provide updated info for other entries such as your grade level.

Most of the above-mentioned steps can be completed before October 1st, which is the earliest you can submit the FAFSA for the following academic year. By being prepared, you can help ensure that your FAFSA will be filed in a timely manner so you can get as much aid as possible for your financial situation.